HARD TASK AHEAD

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 230, 28 September 1928, Page 5

HARD TASK AHEAD

RECROSSING TASMAN.

FLIGHT MAY TAKE 24 HOURS.

DEPARTURE DATE UNCERTAIN

REST AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day

The Southern Cross may leave Blenheim for I'iclimond aerodrome, Sydney, within the next week, but if the weather is bad the departure may be delayed for two or three weeks. The airmen expect the flight to take anything from IS to 24 hours.

This information is contained in a message telcgraplied by Fliglit-Lieuten-ant C. T. P. Ulm, co-commander of the Southern Cross, to the Press Association. He expresses regret that he and his companions were unable to accede to many requests to go further south, and goes on to say: "It is indeed pleasing to find that our llight lias stimulated a tremendous amount of public interest in aviation throughout the Dominion. Prior to our arrival there was practically no civil aviation activity in New Zealand, but we are happy to know that our llight has been the cause of seven or eight aero clubs being formed, and the public are now practically clamouring for the establishment of regular air services in the Dominion. Blenheim is particularly -enthusiastic, and has prepared a magnificent taking-oiT ground for our return llight to Australia. Nearly COOO feet of runway into the prevailing wind is now ready, and the enthusiastic residents are completing the erection of a temporary hangar to house the Southern Cross in case of our being delayed by unfavourable weather reports. Head Winds Almost Certain.

"Dr. Kidson, the Government Meteorologist, will arrive in Cliristchurch this morning to spend the day with us in discussing the meteorological aspects of the forthcoming return flight. His help throughout has been invaluable, under Mr. McWiiliaufs supervision the radio equipment has been repaired, and will be tested in the air to-day, and provided these and the compass tests are satisfactory we hope to leave for Blenjieim this afternoon, where we will fuel the machine and await favourable weather reports.

"It is practically certain we will have head winds travelling at about 21 miles per hour throughout the whole of the return -flight, and, therefore, it may take anything from 18 to 24 hours. Subject to the weather, we will leave Blenheim between one a.m. and six a.m., and, therefore, we

cannot at present give even the approximate time of our arrival at Richmond aerodrome, but as it is almost certain we will arrive at Richmond after dark we are cabling and askins that lighting facilities in the way of flood-light, etc., bo prepared. We are also asking that if possible searchlights be played at both Sydney and Newcastle, when we are coming over. Bulli and Woollongong also have distinguishing lights. Policy of "Safety First." "Dr. Kidson informs us there is a probability of an anti-cyclone existing on the eastern coast of Australia, and that it is possible that within the next week we may have conditions favourable enough to warrant our taking off, but we would ask the public to bear in mind that we may be delayed for two or three weeks, as we are sticking to 'safety .first," and definitely will not leave until fair average conditions prevail. The hail through which we flew coming over tore off a good deal of the protective paint covering on the leading edge of our wings, but this has since been reconditioned by the Air Force here, and by to-day we will be satisfied that the good old Southern Cross is in as good condition as when we left. After our tests and after our consultation with Dr. Kidson we will communicate again and hope to give you more definite news regarding our projected departure. Governor-General's Invitation. "The Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, and Lady Fergusson have been very kind in asking us to spend as many days as we can in seclusion and rest at Government House in Wellington prior to our departure, and we will avail ourselves of this kind invitation should unfavourable weather conditions hold us up for a few days at Blenheim, as throughout our tour we have attended innumerable functions in our honour, and we are now reallv phvsically tired."